Breastfeeding does a baby good; NN, VB events

Breastfeeding Mamas started with five members and has grown to include 7,000 who participate via Facebook.

They will gather at the Midtown Community Center in Newport News on Saturday, Aug. 2, to participate in the International Big Latch On celebration. The current record for the number of synchronized breast-feeding mothers around the world is 14,536. The count will begin at 10:30 a.m. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

The group asks that participating families arrive early to register for the Big Latch On. The event will feature a gated playground area, door prizes, children's activities, food, and local health care professionals.

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated the first week of August in 120 countries to promote the benefits of breastfeeding infants. These include reduced risk of infant morbidity and mortality, reduced adult obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, then continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

Go here to register for the event, http://breastfeedingmamas.org/big-latch-on-2014/ or search the group on Facebook.

The event will kick off with the reading of the Breastfeeding Awareness Month proclamation and the Big Latch On, with all breastfeeding moms gathering to breastfeed for one minute.

Other events to be held at the celebration include a contest in which families can decorate their strollers and hats, and take part in a parade around Pembroke Mall. Prizes will be provided to the best-decorated stroller and hat.

For more information, call (757) 518-2668, or visit World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, http://www.waba.org.my.

Mobile screening

Bon Secours has partnered with HealthFair, a national testing provider, to bring convenient health testing to communities via mobile screening buses. HealthFair is a Joint Commission-accredited mobile screening company that works with hospitals and health systems across the country.

Starting Monday, Aug. 4, the mobile screening bus will begin offering asymptomatic Hampton Roads residents screenings to assess their risk of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, prostate and lung cancers. Both basic ($179) and advanced packages ($258) are available depending on the amount of testing that the participant requests; the nine screenings for men include a testosterone test and a PSA test ($347). Advanced packages include "Know Your Number," a five-year risk assessment for stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, COPD and lung cancer. Participants are pre-screened and testing is tailored to the needs of the individual.

The results are reviewed by board-certified physicians. After the test is completed, participants receive a personalized printed copy of their results in the mail or they can access them online through a secure portal. Individuals determined to be at high risk will be contacted by Bon Secours staff to discuss and facilitate appropriate next steps.

While insurance does not cover the screening tests, they are potentially reimbursable from a health savings account, depending on the insurance coverage. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance provider regarding reimbursement.

For more information, visit bonsecourshealthfair.com, or call 855-755-8378. Appointments required.

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